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Reports in Spain claims Arsenal will complete the signing of Denis Saurez from Barcelona next week.

Suarez has emerged as Unai Emery’s top target this month as he looks to add to his options in midfield for the second half of the season.

Mundo Deportivo report that Suarez is closing in on a deal to Arsenal and that sources close to the negotiations hope an agreement can be struck next week.

Suarez is likely to operate on both winger for Arsenal and would compete with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi for a slot in the starting XI.

Suarez added to the speculation surrounding his future on Thursday night, by impressing on the pitch for Barcelona and then ‘liking’ a number of tweets that suggested he’s on the way out.

In another tweet liked by Suarez, a Barcelona fan said: “Thank you [Denis Suarez] for your commitment and your effort, your talent will see the sun. You deserve your chance.”

Another added: “Thanks [Suarez], because even if you do not get the minutes you deserve and they have you on the exit ramp, every minute you get you take advantage the most.”

He 25-year-old began the game on the bench, but with his team 2-0 down, manager Ernesto Valverde decided to give Suarez a chance.

The Spaniard didn’t waste the opportunity, making an impressive run down the right-hand side to win a penalty and cut the deficit to one goal. Barcelona should have no trouble overturning that deficit at Camp Nou in the second leg.

Suarez’s contract expires in the summer of 2020, which means an obligation to buy clause is likely to be inserted in the deal.

Meanwhile, the search for a centre-back to bolster Arsenal’s threadbare defence continues with Konstantinos Mavropanos likely to feature for the Under-23 side against Manchester City on Monday.